Integrated Approach to Coastal Oil Spill Surveillance

Effective oil spill monitoring requires a comprehensive and adaptive system that integrates satellite imagery, aerial reconnaissance, and in-situ data collection to detect, track, and assess pollution events in real time. In the UAE’s sensitive coastal zones, such a system enables authorities to identify hydrocarbon discharges, quantify their extent, and forecast drift trajectories based on oceanographic and meteorological inputs. By combining optical and radar satellite data with local sensor networks, the framework enhances spatial and temporal coverage—allowing for early warning, rapid response, and post-event assessment. This integrated approach not only strengthens national preparedness but also provides valuable datasets for environmental baseline studies and coastal management, ensuring that restoration strategies are based on accurate evidence of contamination trends, dispersion patterns, and recovery rates.

​The system also incorporates periodic drone-based visual inspections and autonomous surface vehicles to validate satellite findings and monitor hard-to-access shoreline segments. These technologies bridge the gap between large-scale remote observations and fine-scale field verification, ensuring that even small localized spills or residual films are accurately mapped. Continuous calibration of sensors using ground-truth sampling further refines detection thresholds, improving confidence in spill identification. Long-term implementation of such monitoring networks fosters resilience by supporting predictive analytics for high-risk zones, guiding future investments in coastal infrastructure protection and marine biodiversity restoration.